A sentient headquarters, possibly with the ability to call up a physical body to go on adventures (like a construct of some sort)?

I've got a player who pitched this sweet idea and I'd like to help them make it happen.

So far my ideas for suggestions are basically to perhaps make the character a computer system with no Dex, Con or Str, but all the mental scores. Then a few powers here and there, Datalink, Protection and some mechanisms to defend against someone walking into the base and shooting her. A few minions for robot workers to help defend, and then the all important ESP mixed with Continuous duration Perception range Summon (fanatical, heroic) so the person has their own body to contribute to the team wandering around.

Is this viable? Would it be better to suggest another way?
This message was last updated by a moderator, as it was the wrong forum, at 10:14, Thu 20 Feb 2014.

If the manifestation in the field  is actually the sentience taking physical form, you could maybe go with Alternate Forms (1 for when the mind is in the Body/Golem and 1 for when the mind is in the Headquarters/CPU).  Keep the mental stats the same.  This would allow for the sentience to actually leave the base and be there on adventures.

Or were you thinking more like a Colossal-sized transformer that is actually a building come to life?

If the manifestation is simply an illusion/summon, there's less risk of "death" but I foresee that maybe the sentience might have a difficult time paying for everything that's necessary to be as effective in the field.

Sidekick is maybe an option?  Allow the Player to control the sidekick on missions while the sentience stays at home?

It's definitely a cool idea, and could probably be justified mechanically in a few different ways.  Just depends on exactly the type of feel the Player is looking for.
This message was last edited by the user at 08:25, Thu 20 Feb 2014.

Build it as a Construct with a Headquarters.

This is what I came in here to say.  That's definitely the easiest way to handle it mechanically, and then you just use the fluff to show how the construct isn't around when they're back at HQ.

So, kindof like the ships in the series Andromeda, where the ship has an AI, and also a robotic avatar for going around places? There's a couple ways I could see to do that, but it depends on whether they will primarily act through the avatar, or essentially be like riggers in Shadowrun, and have a series of drones he can send out.

If you're primarily going through a single avatar, then build the avatar like any other character, but making it a Construct (CON --, appropriate immunities, etc.), with whatever powers you deemed appropriate. If they want the ability to swap out abilities depending on the situation, then I would put it as either an array or a variable power structure, depending on taste, limited so that it takes time in a shop to change it. Build the headquarters with equipment points, and you're golden.

If you're doing the AI rigger route, then build the character like you would an AI. Have a -- in all physical attributes, and build the headquarters as a base. Then use powers like Datalink, Summon, Possession (limited to Machines), Mind Control (limited to machines), Animate Object, and so on to do powers. Datalink allows you to get into any computers around. Summon works best for robot constructs and such. If you want more variety in the constructs, consider doing alternate powers on the Summon, though if you want to have a single, more powerful avatar that can work alongside the minions, I'd make that a separate summon power, so you can run them side-by-side. Possession limited to machines allows you to jump into that tank someone brought to the party and BE the tank. Mind control limited to machines will let you 'hack' other machine intelligences (and can also be used to counter the power if it is used against you). Animate Object (limited to machines) allows you to control mechanical doors, control the security system, and so on.

I'd say build the avatar as the main character (as a construct with -- Con, probably), purchase the base with points and the AI computer as a sidekick (also a construct, with -- for Str, Dex, and Con).  The avatar will probably need more points to be effective than the sidekick will... who's actually "in charge" is just flavor text.  Give the two a continuous mental link and you're golden.